Ike's Firsthand Look | NK180 Series Control Foil – Newport

When Mike "Ike" Iaconelli takes the time to talk gear, hardcore kayak anglers listen. The Bassmaster Elite veteran and Hall of Famer just dropped a firsthand look at Newport's newest accessory for the NK180 HD & NK180PRO — the NK180 Series Control Foil —and if you've ever fought to hold a line in current, this one belongs on your shopping list.

Purpose-Built for NK180 HD & NK180PRO

The first thing Ike addresses is the question most anglers ask before they hand over payment: will this fit my motor? He runs through the Newport's lineup — the NK180 HD and PRO family motors seamlessly integrates with this foil and cavitation plate.

He's also blunt about the install:

"This is so easy and simple to install, and this is going to give you so many features and benefits."

That line matters. Hardcore anglers know the pain of rigging that eats a Saturday and a drill bit. This isn't that, it's a sub-5 minute upgrade.

Where It Earns Its Money

The hammer-quote for heavy water guys is direct and to the point:

"Increased stability, better control, better in current."

That statement is the headline for anyone fishing tidal seams, river mouths, or wind-blown points. Tracking straight when the water's moving is the difference between dialing into a school and getting pushed out of range. The foil means less wandering and fewer corrections; more time with your bait in the strike zone, less time fighting your kayak.

Speed and Efficiency on the Long Haul

The second hammer-quote is for the kayak anglers who run long distances to their spots:

"It's going to give you more consistent speed, and more authority."

Ike's pointing at the cavitation plate built into the foil. Translation for anglers who've watched a 24V setup perform sub-par: with this you get cleaner prop bite, less slip, fewer watts wasted spinning air. That shows up in two places: top-end speed when you need to relocate, and battery efficiency that stretches a charge across a full tournament day.